Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical Hormones

Amidst the confusion surrounding the use of custom compounded bioidentical hormone therapy for treatment of menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) confirms its support of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other scientific organizations that have warned women about the potential harm from these products.
The term “bioidentical hormone therapy” is often used to describe a medication containing estrogen, progesterone, or other hormones that are chemically exact duplicates of hormones produced by women, primarily in the ovaries. Many of these bioidentical hormones (eg, estradiol, progesterone) are commercially available in several well-tested, FDA-approved, brand-name prescription drugs. A list of government-approved products in the United States and Canada is posted on this site.
Concern arises with the bioidentical hormone medications that are “custom-compounded” (custom-mixed) recipes prepared by a pharmacist following an individual prescriber’s order for a specific patient. These medications do not have FDA approval because individually mixed recipes have not been tested to prove that the active ingredients are absorbed appropriately or provide predictable levels in blood and tissue. Further, there is no scientific evidence about the effects of these compounded medications on the body—both good and bad.
Salivary and blood testing of hormone levels used by custom compounders is meaningless for midlife women as their hormone levels vary throughout the day, and from day to day.
NAMS has much more information about Bioidentical Hormone Therapy. Follow the links below.